Nuked Artichokes

1 artichoke, untrimmed

Take an untrimmed artichoke and wash it out by running
water through it and shaking it out a few times.  Cut
the stem back to about 1 cm below the base -- you
don't want to trim as much as you would if you were
steaming.  Leave the outer leaves and tops on. Put one
choke in a container, base down.  You can just use the
plastic bag you brought it in.  Nuke on high for about
4 minutes (your mileage may vary).  Turn halfway
through cooking time.  Allow to stand a while to
steam.  Now throw away about one or two layers of
leaves and eat the rest.  For guests, you could trim
the top now, and if you suspect that any bitter bits
are left in the stem, trim that as well. 

Contributed by Barry Hayes